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I bought a used bike in March and now that I am putting a lot of miles in I feel like I am a little stretched out on the bike. I would like to replace this stem but I am not sure what I can use in place of it.

Is this a quill type stem? Can it be replaced with a stem and separate headset so that I can try different headset lengths?

I am also wondering what the difference is between a threaded and threadless stem and what the best way to disassemble this stem is?

Your bike has a quill / threaded stem. Might be tough to get a good selection of these since they are old style. Your LBS might have some used ones you can pick from if you ask.

If you want to go with a threadless stem, you basically have 2 options.

1. Replace the fork with a threadless fork. Replace the headset with a threadless "aheadset". Then buy a new threadless stem that matches your fork and handlebars for clamp sizes... Pretty expensive if you ask me.

2. This is what I'm looking at doing. Buy a "quill adapter". They are around $10 - $20. This converts your threaded fork stem to a threadless. Then you can go buy a new threadless stem.

Before you go about replacing it, trying raising it. Doing so shortens the reach to the bars. That's the nice thing about quills -- a wide range of adjustability. Some people think they look better too.

I bought a used bike in March and now that I am putting a lot of miles in I feel like I am a little stretched out on the bike. I would like to replace this stem but I am not sure what I can use in place of it.

That stem appears to be nearly as short as they come... maybe 5 or 6 cm long. You may have trouble finding a shorter stem. Try raising the stem up a little higher: just loosen the top of the stem with an allen wrench, then wiggle it upwards a bit, and retighten it (make SURE you don't go past the minimum insertion mark). One other thing you can try is moving your saddle forward a bit, though this may hurt your knees, so be careful.

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Is this a quill type stem? Can it be replaced with a stem and separate headset so that I can try different headset lengths?

Yes, it's a quill stem, but it's one of the modern quill stem's with a removable faceplate (which makes changing it VERY easy). What do you mean by a separate headset? A headset is the bearing that allows the fork to rotate... I think you must mean something different.

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I am also wondering what the difference is between a threaded and threadless stem and what the best way to disassemble this stem is?

A so-called threadless stem clamps onto the outside of the fork steerer tube, whereas a so-called threaded stem or quill stem is inserted into the fork steerer and holds itself in place with a wedge bolt. Check out the bicycle glossary at www.sheldonbrown.com for LOTS more details.

Threadless/threaded actually refers to whether the fork steerer tube has threads cut into it or not. A threaded fork requires a threaded headset, and a threadless fork requires a threadless headset. A threadless headset requires a clamp-on stem because the stem actually holds the headset bearings in place.

Threadless is the newer technology, but there's nothing wrong with threaded! Some people prefer the aesthetics and the greater adjustability in terms of height.

The way to remove your stem is as follows: remove the faceplate with an allen wrench, and take the handlebar out. Don't lose the faceplate Then loosen the bolt on the top of the stem a few turns. You'll be able to get the stem loose by pulling upwards and wiggling gently side to side. Once you've removed the stem, you'll see what I mean by the wedge/expander bolt that holds it in place

Thanks for all of the responses. I think that I will stick with the quill stem because I have read a lot of mixed reviews about the stem adapters. I was having a hard time adjusting the stem height, but I removed the bolt and as I was changing my bar tape it finally loosened up. I took it apart, cleaned everything up and lowered the stem, seat and moved the seat forward which feels a lot better overall. Again, thank you.
Jim